CONTROLLING THE SUBSTANCES

Baseball bans A-Rod until 2015

Yankees star suspended for 211 regular-season games

Published: 08/05/2013 at 4:08 PM

(WCBS-TV) — Alex Rodriguez has been banned for 211 regular-season games by Major League Baseball for his part in the sport’s latest performance-enhancing drugs scandal.

The New York Yankees star will appeal the suspension, which takes effect Thursday. He’ll be allowed to play during the grievance process and is expected to make his season debut Monday night in Chicago.

Rodriguez’s suspension will run through 2014.

“I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight this through the process,” A-Rod said in a statement. “I am eager to get back on the field and be with my teammates in Chicago tonight. I want to thank my family, friends and fans who have stood by my side through all this.”